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Hi there, My name is Clare Akumu. I’m from Kampala, Uganda, and when I’m 25 years old, I want to be proud of where I am—and hopeful for where I’m going.   At a Get Her There event this past week, I had the opportunity to share my story on stage, and I learned so much about the importance of owning my personal story and the journey it takes to connect with one’s true self.    Check out more of my experience at the inspiring event. We all deserve to feel confident and worthy in our own skin. That’s why the work of Girl Up Initiative Uganda, an organization supported by the Girls Opportunity Alliance, centers around empowering girls through mentorship. Girl Up Uganda helps young people like me boost their confidence and self-esteem in spite of the challenges we face.  At the event, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney, Melinda French Gates, and Wanjiru Wahome, the executive director of the Samburu Girls Foundation in Kenya, reminded me not to rush through life, but instead, be present for the moments, people, and causes that make me happy.  I wanted to share three things I took away from the powerful gathering:    1. Share your story. It was an honor to share my story with the hundreds of attendees in the room. Over the years, I’ve learned that telling my story is a powerful source of hope for myself and others, and I will continue to tell my story because I never know who may be inspired by it. I hope you will, too. 2. Be patient.  The journey to full self-empowerment takes a lifetime, so it’s important to be patient with yourself and focus on the small things that are right in front of you. For me, that’s working to build my confidence and completing my education so I can do everything I set out to do.    3. Use your power. You don’t have to hold a high-level position or have a corner office to make a difference. As Mrs. Obama said, we all have power inside of us that has and will always be there. I will continue to use my power to mentor other girls and make a positive difference, and you can too.  I know that my wildest dreams are possible, and I am so excited about the future.  Because of your support, I and so many other girls are getting our education and are on our way to a better quality of life.  Thank you for getting me there.  —Clare Clare Akumu  Girl Up Initiative Uganda, Girls Opportunity Alliance    The future of our world is only as bright as our girls. DONATE